Teeth crevice cleaning apparatus and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A mouth pad for cleaning teeth crevices has a U-shaped plate sized to cover substantially only the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth of the human jaw. The plate is positioned between the upper teeth and lower teeth such that when the teeth are rinsed with a liquid, the liquid flows primarily through the crevices between individual teeth, and physically detaches the adhering residue within. A method of cleaning teeth using a plate positioned between the upper and lower teeth is also disclosed.

This application claims priority from Provisional application Ser. No.60/094,316, filed Jul. 27, 1998.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention is directed to a teeth cleaning apparatus and,more particularly to a teeth cleaning apparatus which can efficientlyclean crevices between the teeth.

BACKGROUND

Conventional dental cleaning methods have many limitations anddisadvantages. Brushing the teeth can only clean the tooth surfaces thata brush can reach. Therefore, brushing cleans only the exposed surfacesof teeth, not the crevices between teeth. Flossing can reach most ofthese crevices, but it is inconvenient to use, particularly forchildren. Since plaque formation occurs after meals and its adhesion toteeth is enhanced with time, the plaque is much more easily removedimmediately after meals. Because of the inconveniences of flossing,people rarely floss after each meal. As time goes by, the plaque becomeshard to remove. Rinsing teeth with mouthwash is convenient enough to bedone immediately after meals. However, rinsing does not clean thecrevices between teeth very well. When the jaw is closed, open spacesare typically formed between the upper and lower teeth. These spaces aremuch larger than the crevices between adjacent teeth. The larger spacesprovide a shortcut for the mouthwash to bypass the crevices. Thus, whenrinsing, most of the mouthwash or water flows through the larger openspaces between the upper teeth and the lower teeth, and only a verysmall amount of mouthwash may flow through the crevices. Not only is theamount of mouthwash flowing through the crevices reduced, the pressureapplied on the crevices is also diminished due to the bypass ofmouthwash through the open spaces, resulting in a lower flow rate in thecrevices. Such a low flow rate of a small amount of mouthwash hasinsufficient wash power to clean the narrow crevices between the teeth.Hence, even if the mouthwash can kill bacteria, rinsing with mouthwashcan hardly wash out the attached dead bacteria, plaque and otheradhering residues on the tooth surfaces in the crevices. These remainingresidues still provide bacterium with a breeding ground. Therefore,rinsing with mouthwash cannot effectively clean the narrow crevicesbetween teeth. These narrow crevices are inhabited by plaque and otherbacteria, which cause bad breath, tooth decay and cavities. Currently,there is no efficient and convenient way to clean them.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a teeth crevicecleaning apparatus which reduces or overcomes some or all of theaforesaid difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particularobjects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experiencedin this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of theinvention and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.

SUMMARY

The principle of the invention combines the convenience of rinsing withthe function of flossing to create an easy-to-use, convenient andefficient dental care product. An apparatus is used to block the spacesbetween the upper teeth and the lower teeth during occlusion, that is,when the biting surfaces of the upper teeth and the lower teeth arebrought together. In use, the apparatus does not cover or block thecrevices between the teeth. Thus, when rinsing, the mouthwash is forcedto flow through the crevices between the teeth rather than the spacesbetween the upper teeth and the lower teeth. This generates a high shearforce, or wash power, that is applied on the tooth surfaces and washesaway the residues in the crevices to prevent plaque from forming.

In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus for cleaning teethcrevices has a U-shaped plate sized to cover substantially only thebiting surfaces of upper and lower teeth of a human jaw.

In accordance with another aspect, a kit for cleaning teeth crevicescomprises a U-shaped plate sized to cover substantially only the bitingsurfaces of upper and lower teeth of a human jaw and a liquid mouthwash.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a method of cleaning teethincludes the following steps: inserting a U-shaped plate sized to coversubstantially only the biting surfaces of upper and lower teeth of ahuman jaw into a mouth of a user; drawing an appropriate amount ofliquid into the mouth; biting down on the plate; rinsing the liquidrepeatedly while biting down on the plate; spitting out the liquid; andremoving the plate from the mouth.

From the foregoing disclosure, it will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art that the present invention provides a significanttechnological advance. Preferred embodiments of the present inventioncan provide increased efficiency, convenience and comfort in cleaningthe crevices between adjacent teeth. These and additional features andadvantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understoodfrom the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain preferred embodiments are described in detail below withreference to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theteeth crevice cleaning apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe teeth crevice cleaning apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view, shown partially in section, ofanother alternative embodiment of the teeth crevice cleaning apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of another alternative embodimentof the teeth crevice cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1, shown with a suctiontube; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a measurement card suitable for usein conjunction with the teeth crevice cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1.

The figures referenced above are not drawn necessarily to scale andshould be understood to present a representation of the invention,illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the teethcrevice cleaning apparatus depicted in the drawings have been enlargedor distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation andunderstanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings forsimilar or identical components and features shown in variousalternative embodiments. Teeth crevice cleaning apparatus as disclosedherein, will have configurations and components determined, in part, bythe intended application and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a mouthpad according to the present invention isshown generally by the reference numeral 2. Mouthpad, as used herein,refers to a device or apparatus which is inserted into the mouth of auser and is positioned between the user's upper and lower teeth to aidin cleaning crevices between adjacent teeth. Mouthpad 2 comprises aplate 1 having a U-shape. In certain preferred embodiments, plate 1 ismade of a resilient, foam-like material, such as a polymer or othersuitable materials. The U-shape of mouthpad 2 substantially matches ahuman jaw to cover substantially only the interfaces of all the teethduring occlusion, that is, when the biting surfaces of the upper andlower teeth are brought together. Thus, mouthpad 2 covers substantiallyonly the biting surfaces of the teeth, leaving the crevices betweenadjacent teeth on the front and back of the teeth substantiallyunobstructed. Mouthpad 2 is sized to fit in between the upper teeth andthe lower teeth during occlusion, and is preferably approximately 2 mmto 12 mm thick, most preferably approximately 5 mm to 8 mm thick. Thus,mouthpad 2 provides the function of blocking the spaces between theupper teeth and the lower teeth during occlusion. When rinsing withmouthpad 2, mouthwash or other liquid held in the mouth isadvantageously forced to flow through the crevices between individualteeth rather than through the spaces between the upper teeth and thelower teeth. This generates a great shear force that is applied on thetooth surfaces and washes away any residue in the crevices to preventplaque from forming. In certain preferred embodiments, mouthpad 2 can bedisposable, while in other embodiments, mouthpad 2 may be reused.

Another preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment,plate 1 of mouthpad 22 has a sandwich structure formed of a top layer 4,a bottom layer 3, and a central layer 5 disposed between top and bottomlayers 4, 3. Top and bottom layers 4, 3 are preferably made of aresilient, foam-like material, such as a polymer or other suitablematerial. Top and bottom layers 4, 3 are preferably approximately 2 mmto 6 mm thick and are attached respectively on each side of the centrallayer 5 by gluing, molding or other suitable means. Central layer 5 is athin sheet of material capable of being easily shaped. Central layer 5may be formed of a suitable malleable or ductile material, such ascopper or cellulose, with a thickness of approximately 0.05 to 1 mm,depending on the material used. Central layer 5 functions as theskeleton of mouthpad 22. When a user bites down on mouthpad 22 for thefirst time, their teeth mold central layer 5 so that mouthpad 22 matchesthe profile of a user's teeth.

In certain preferred embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a handle 7can be attached to mouthpad 22 in order to facilitate insertion andremoval from the mouth. Handle 7 can be formed of any suitable materialincluding, for example, plastic or foam.

Another preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 3, where mouthpad 32contains a pocket 9. Pocket 9 typically contains air at ambientpressure, but may, in other preferred embodiments, contain other gasesor fluids at any desired pressure. Mouthpad 32 is preferably formed of aresilient rubber-like material, such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride(PVC), nylon, or silicon rubber. Other suitable materials for mouthpad32 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given thebenefit of this disclosure. In certain preferred embodiments, astiffening member 11 is secured within mouthpad 32 adjacent its outerperiphery. Stiffening member 11 serves as the skeleton of mouthpad 32 toconform mouthpad 32 to a desired shape. Stiffening member 11 may beformed of wire or other suitable material. When a user bites down onmouthpad 32, the upper teeth and the lower teeth compress the air insideair pocket 9. As a result, the air pressure forces the resilientmaterial of mouthpad 32 to conform to the shape of the users teeth,forming balloons which block the irregular spaces formed by, forexample, misaligned or missing teeth.

In certain preferred embodiments, a suction tube 13 can be attached toplate 1 of mouthpad 2, as seen in FIG. 4. Suction tube 13 extendsthrough the forward portion of plate 1 at the base of the U-shape, thatis, the portion which is between the front teeth of the user. Tube 13provides a channel to bring liquid, such as mouthwash, into the mouthfrom a container (not shown). A user can then advantageously insert andproperly align mouthpad 2 before placing liquid in their mouth. Thesection 14 of tube 13 which is within plate 1 is preferably formed of anelastic material. Therefore, when compressed by the jaw, section 14 iscompressed and closed off to stop liquid flow through tube 13. Ashoulder 15 may be attached to the front of plate 1, having tube 13extending therethrough. Shoulder 15 may be formed of the same materialas plate 1, or any other suitable material. Shoulder 15 is shaped toprovide a smooth interface with the lips of a user to prevent leakage.

In certain preferred embodiments, the mouthpad can be coated with orotherwise contain an antiseptic substance and/or other substance such asflavoring. For example, the mouthpad can be soaked with an antisepticliquid, such as mouthwash.

In another preferred embodiment, the mouthpad is formed of chewing gummaterial. Conventional chewing gum can easily be formed into the desiredU-shaped mouthpad. The plasticity of the gum provides the function ofblocking the spaces between the upper teeth and the lower teeth. Themouthpad can then be chewed in conventional manner after it is used toclean teeth.

To fit different jaw sizes, different sized mouthpads are needed. Asseen in FIG. 5, a measurement card 17 is designed for selecting asuitable sized mouthpad. Such cards are disposable and made of a sheetof soft material easily accepting teeth marks. Suitable materialsinclude, for example, cardboard, plastic, and Styrofoam. Measurementcard 17 is marked with size indicating lines 19 which are labeled bysize marks 21 which reference the different sizes for mouthpads. In apreferred embodiment, a booklet of measurement cards 17 is madeavailable next to the mouthpads in a store for a customer to use inselecting a suitably sized mouthpad.

In another preferred embodiment, the mouthpad may be formed ofgelatin-like material with a self-hardening function. A piece of suchmaterial is put into the individual's mouth and positioned between theupper and lower teeth covering the biting surfaces of the teeth. Theindividual then bites down on the piece of material for a certain amountof time to form a customized jaw shaped pad, which has the individual'steeth prints embedded in it. After being removed from the mouth, thestiffened pad can be modified, if necessary, into a mouthpad, or can bemade into a mouthpad according to the shape of the jaw. Thus, such amouthpad is customized to the individual's teeth contour and jaw size.

A kit according to the present invention comprises plate 1 and a liquidfor rinsing the teeth crevices. The liquid may be, for example,mouthwash specifically designed for rinsing teeth. Plate 1 of the kitmay, in certain preferred embodiments, include tube 13 and shoulder 15,and/or handle 7.

When using the teeth crevice cleaning apparatus, a user first puts themouthpad into their mouth and then draws mouthwash or other liquid intothe mouth. Alternatively, the mouthwash or other liquid may be drawninto the mouth before the mouthpad is inserted into the mouth. Incertain preferred embodiments, the mouthwash can be drawn into the mouthwith a suction tube. After an appropriate amount of mouthwash enters themouth, the user bites down on the mouthpad to block the spaces betweenthe upper teeth and the lower teeth. In embodiments using a suctiontube, biting down on the mouthpad also closes off the suction tube. Theuser then rinses in conventional manner, by pushing the mouthwash fromthe oral cavity, that is, between the rear of the teeth and the pharynx,to the buccal cavity, that is, between the lips and cheeks and the frontof the teeth and then, vice versa. Since the mouthpad is substantiallyblocking the larger spaces between the upper teeth and the lower teeth,most of the mouthwash is forced to flow though the crevices between theteeth. This generates great shear forces that detach and wash awayresidues that adhere to the hard-to-reach surfaces, thus cleaning thecrevices between teeth. When rinsing, the occluded teeth act as a filterand catch anything too large to pass through the crevices between teeth.To remove the caught residues, mouthwash may be spat out on each side ofthe teeth respectively. After rinsing for a sufficient time, the userspits out the mouthwash from one side of the teeth. Additional mouthwashmay then be drawn into the mouth for a second rinsing, after which theuser spits out the mouthwash from the other side of the teeth. Themouthpad is then removed from the mouth. In embodiments where themouthpad is formed of chewing gum, the mouthpad is chewed rather thanremoved from the mouth.

To select a suitable mouthpad, a user places a measurement card in theirmouth and bites down on the card to make teeth marks. After taking thecard out of their mouth, the user can compare the location of teethmarks to the size lines on the card to determine the appropriate sizemouthpad for that user's teeth.

In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description ofthe preferred embodiments, those skilled in this area of technology willreadily understand that various modifications and adaptations can bemade without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention.All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of cleaning teeth comprising the following steps, in combination: inserting a U-shaped plate sized to cover substantially only the biting surfaces of upper and lower teeth of a human jaw into a mouth of a user; drawing an appropriate amount of liquid into the mouth; biting down on the plate; rinsing the liquid repeatedly while biting down on the plate; spitting out the liquid; and removing the plate from the mouth.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is drawn into the mouth through a tube extending through the plate.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plate is formed of resilient material.
 4. A method of cleaning crevices between adjacent teeth of a human jaw, the method comprising inserting a plate between upper teeth and lower teeth of the jaw of a user, drawing a liquid into a mouth of the user, biting down on the plate to cover substantially only the biting surfaces of the upper teeth and the lower teeth and to substantially block spaces between the upper teeth and the lower teeth, and forcing the liquid through the crevices between adjacent teeth of the upper jaw and adjacent teeth of the lower jaw while the biting surfaces remain substantially covered by the plate. 